GPC issues guidance on consortia decision-making

Dr Nagpaul: GPs had formed consortia to fill 'a vacuum' caused by PCTs shedding staff and joining into clusters

The committee said that all GPs in a locality must be given a vote when consortia are creating a clinical leadership team, and practices must involve all GPs when making commissioning decisions.

GPC negotiators said they will continue to try and shape the NHS reforms by issuing guidance to GPs directly, even if it is 'not what the government wants to hear.'

The 'more forceful' guidance comes as the BMA Council announced it will 'step up' its opposition to the Health Bill following Tuesday's Special Representative Meeting.

GPC negotiator Dr Chaand Nagpaul said that GPs forming pathfinder consortia should not be used as evidence of support for the reforms by health secretary Andrew Lansley. He said GPs had formed consortia to fill 'a vacuum' caused by PCTs shedding staff and joining into clusters.

The GPC also said that a list of consortia functions circulated by the DoH does not have the committee's approval and contains some 'concerning' clauses.

GPC chairman Dr Laurence Buckman said: We are particularly exercised by the 'duty to cooperate with government.'

This is not a legal document yet is being put out like it is a holy writ.'